Berean Fact Sheet Number 030

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“…messengers of the seven assemblies…”
Copyright © 2006 by Larry G. Overton

In the first chapter of the book of Revelation, John records a vision of Christ that pictures Him walking among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars in His right hand (see verses 12-16). In verse 20, the imagery of the lampstands and the stars is interpreted by Jesus Himself. Let’s take a look at verse 20 of Revelation chapter 1.

20 The mystery of the seven stars that you have seen in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the messengers of the seven assemblies, and the seven lampstands that you have seen are the seven assemblies.” *

According to Christ, the imagery of the seven golden lampstands refers to the seven assemblies in Asia, and the imagery of the seven stars refers to the “messengers” of those assemblies. So, that aspect of symbolic language in the Revelation has been definitively interpreted, and that by Christ. Case closed.

However, one other aspect of the interpretation of this passage needs to be considered, namely the identity of these “messengers.” The two prevailing views are that these “messengers” are either “pastors” or “angels.” I will discuss each of these interpretations in turn, but first, I must discuss the actual term translated “messengers.”

“angeloi”

In most English translations of the Revelation 1:20, the word I have translated as “messengers” is rendered as “angels.” However, while my translation “messengers” is not the norm, neither is it unique. This rendering is as old as Tyndale’s New Testament. It is also found in a variety of versions from the late nineteenth century onwards: Young’s Literal Translation; Williams New Testament; McCord’s New Testament Translation of the Everlasting Gospel; and God’s Word.

The Greek word behind the translation “messengers” in Revelation 1:20 is angeloi [αγγελοι], the nominative masculine plural form of the noun angelos [αγγελος], the literal meaning of which is messenger. So while the translation “messengers” here may not be rendering of choice in most English versions, it is accurate. In chapters 2 and 3, each of the seven assemblies is given a message, addressed to the “messenger” (angelō [αγγέλω], the dative masculine singular form of the noun angelos) of each particular assembly (see Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). So the “messengers” referred to collectively in 1:20 are addressed individually in chapters 2 and 3.

“Pastors”

But just who are these “messengers”? As I said before, the two prevailing views on the subject are that the “messengers” are either “pastors” or “angels.” Those espousing the “pastors” interpretation point out that John was instructed to write to the human “messenger” of each of the individual seven assemblies. In the minds of many, if one particular individual in an assembly is to be addressed, then the “pastor” of the assembly is the “obvious” candidate.

There are two major problems with this view. First, “pastors” is the “obvious” choice only to those who are so inclined to this view in the first place. There is nothing inherent in the term angeloi (“messengers”) that indicates shepherding, leadership or authority. Nothing in the first three chapters of Revelation speaks to any title or function of leadership.

Second, the concept of “pastor” as popularly conceived in religious tradition is in fact not a Biblical concept. In the first century, there were no clergy/laity distinctions, no “pastors” occupying a position in the assembly as a “first among equals,” let alone as a “CEO.” So, to interpret “messengers” in Revelation 1:20 as “pastors” is to read back into NT revelation something from our own culture and/or religious upbringing.

“Angels”

As I pointed out earlier, in most English translations of the NT angeloi is rendered “angels.” Of course, this rendering is not a translation of the meaning of angeloi; it is in fact a transliteration. In other words, this transliteration renders the basic form of the Greek word into English (i.e., angels=angeloi), but not the meaning, which, as mentioned before is “messenger.” The term angel in our English language has come to refer to a celestial or heavenly creature, a supernatural spiritual being created by God. So some take the transliteration angel(s) in these verses in Revelation to refer to the celestial beings we typically think of when the word “angel” is used.

The problem with this interpretation is that it is illogical. If this interpretation is correct, then John was being instructed by Jesus to write a letter to the “angels” in heaven assigned to these specific assemblies on earth. Such a view of course makes no sense. It is clear from chapters 2 and 3 that these recipients, these “messengers” were human messengers living in the geographic locales of the respective seven assemblies.

“Messengers”

So what is the solution to the identity of the “messengers” referenced in the first three chapters of the Revelation? The best way to understand these references is also the simplest. The word means “messengers,” and so we take that at face value; messengers they are. They are obviously inhabitants of this earth; they are human messengers. They are associated with each one of the seven assemblies mentioned in the Revelation, and so they are the messengers of these particular assemblies.

It was common for someone from an assembly in an ancient city to serve as a messenger (a courier, if you will) for the fellowship of believers. For example, the Corinthian assembly sent a letter written to the apostle Paul asking him certain questions (1 Corinthians 7:1), and it was doubtless sent by means of some “from Chloe’s household,” who also gave him a verbal report ( 1:11). That was typical of ancient times. Such messengers were more personally connected to the locale they were serving than modern mail carriers are today, but their functions did involve delivering letters and giving reports. And so I say once more that the “messengers” of chapters 1-3 of Revelation were the couriers for their respective assemblies.

* Unless otherwise noted, quotations from Scripture are my own translation.